South Asia 'agrees to free trade' Jan 2, 2009
South Asia 'agrees to free trade ... Foreign ministers at the South Asian summit in Islamabad have agreed on the framework for a regional free trade zone, a senior Indian official says. (Yahoo News -- Asian Economy)
Gaza Missed A Golden Opportunity Jan 2, 2009
Estonian experts could have jetted in to explain how free trade and a flat tax can enrich small nations with powerful next-door neighbors. The world would have come running to help elevate this benighted, Denver-sized territory into an oasis from which the mirage of Middle East peace could blossom into reality -- if Gazans only asked. (Human Events Online)
* Mexicos fiscal prudence fails to avert a US-induced slowdown Jan 1, 2009
The North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which so tightly bound Mexico and the US and turns 15 today, is helping drag Mexico down with the US just as it helped bolster it when times were good north of the border. When the US economy was growing, successive governments in Mexico counted on foreign investment and exports to generate growth. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Click for Full Story Jan 1, 2009
In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement went into effect. Ten years ago: The euro, the new single currency of 11 European countries (later 15), officially came into existence with the start of the New Year. (KWTX.com, TX)
Now Sits Expectation In The Air Jan 1, 2009
To add to the burdens of our young president elect, reports from around the world suggest that the instinct to protect local economies is growing, thus putting more pressure on free trade. While strong arguments can be made in individual trade cases, history is unambiguous about the result of increased protectionism during a period of world economic contraction. (Human Events Online)
Proclamation by the President: To Extend Duty-Free Treatment for Certain Agricultural Products of Israel and for Other Purposes Jan 1, 2009
On April 22, 1985, the United States and Israel entered into the Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel (USIFTA), which the Congress approved in the United States-Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 (the "USIFTA Act") (19 U.S.C. 2112 note) ... On June 6, 2003, the United States and Chile entered into the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement (USCFTA) ... The Congress approved the... (White House News Releases)
'Respect each other' Jan 1, 2009
"Peace means the right of self determination, it means eradication of hunger and poverty, it means free trade and it means the right to life.". Sapa Digg | | | | | | Copyright 2002-2008 iafrica. (iAfrica.com)
Feature Story Jan 1, 2009
During the Democratic primary, Obama promised to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. After the primaries, he softened his rhetoric, suggesting he did not want to unilaterally open talks. (Investors Business Daily)
Nine Possibilities Heading Into 2009 Jan 1, 2009
Businesses can't grow and create jobs in an atmosphere where workers are forced into unions and free trade is restricted. Given the choice of a recovering economy or a satisfied union base, Obama is likely to tilt toward saving the economy, if only for the sake of his own political viability. (Investors Business Daily)
Chamber exec joins Bracewell & Giuliani Dec 31, 2008
This involved generating support for the North American Free Trade Agreement, the development of the Alamodome and AT&T Center, and the PGA Tour campaign. Larsen will be the PIM Group s manager of strategic communications. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Tehran, Tripoli, Tbilisi mark 2008 foreign policy Dec 31, 2008
It also launched negotiations on bilateral accords on health and a free trade agreement on agriculture. Bucher points out that a dispute over cross-border trade regulations was resolved in talks. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
South Korean MPs continue protest Dec 31, 2008
Legislators from the main opposition Democratic Party have locked themselves inside the National Assembly's main hall since December 26 to prevent the ruling party from ramming through dozens of bills they oppose - including ratification of a free trade pact with the United States ... A week earlier, opposition MPs used sledgehammers to pound their way into a committee room where ruling party MPs were meeting to introduce the bill to ratify the US free trade pact ... The current assembly session... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Obama's Bumpy Middle Road Dec 31, 2008
In the Democratic presidential primaries, Obama was breathing fire against the North American Free Trade Agreement, and just about any other trade agreement, saying that he would renegotiate NAFTA with Canada and Mexico. His trade rhetoric became increasingly protectionist as he battled Hillary Clinton for labor's support. (Townhall.com)
15 Years of Damage is Enough: NAFTA Must Be Renegotiated Dec 30, 2008
MONTREAL, OTTAWA, WASHINGTON AND MEXICO CITY, Dec. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - January 1, 2009 marks the 15th anniversary of the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which integrates the economies of Canada and Mexico with that of the United States ... This press release is a joint initiative of four multi-sectoral networks in North America, namely the Qu;bec Network on Continental Integration (RQIC), Common Frontiers-Canada, the Mexican Action Network on Free Trade (RMALC),... (Canada Newswire)
CHINA: USA LOST STRENGTH IN 2008; RUSSIA GAINED Dec 30, 2008
In Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) inaugurated a free trade area in August. In October, the SADC and two other regional blocs, the East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, held a summit in the Ugandan capital of Kampala to discuss Africa's economic integration. (The Drudge Report)
Thai Premier Abhisit defies protesters for maiden speech Dec 30, 2008
Politicians clash over US free trade pact. Mumbai: the aftermath. (Times Online)
Letter: Wanted: creative new solutions in Washington Dec 30, 2008
Finally, if Congress, in the interest of free trade, allows foreign transplant auto companies to locate in America, staffed with scab labor, then, again in the interest fair trade, they should be required to pay their work force UAW wages and benefits benefits, that after 70 years of collective bargaining, should be the standard and hallmark to strive for by all those who work for a living. Parity established, domestic product will compete well against its foreign counterpart, and the request... (Montana Standard, MT)
Change will happen Dec 30, 2008
Ron Murray Sr wrote on Dec 26, 2008 8:56 PM:" Poor, Poor, Wezley. So misguided, so blind to the last eight years of Bush/Cheney. So angry cause life has treated him so cruely. Why, Oh Why, couldn't he have been born rich instead of so good looking? Or did he miss out on both counts?Wezley is just another Clinton hater that loves to forget that Clinton had a Republican Controlled Congress for 6 of his eight years. And he refuses to recognize that NAFTA stands for North American Free Trade... (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
Conservatives look to Flake to rescue the Republican party Dec 30, 2008
Flake's anti-pork stand and vote against the economic bailout legislation could help him with some conservative activists, while his support for international free trade agreements could hurt him with others, Johnson said. "That, to me, is sovereignty-destroying stuff. He continues to get re-elected, but I oftentimes think it's because he has never had anybody of real substance run against him," Johnson said. (AZCentral -- News)
When the U.S. sneezes, Mexico catches cold Dec 30, 2008
The North American Free Trade Agreement, or Nafta, which so tightly bound Mexico and the United States and turns 15 on Thursday, is helping drag Mexico down with the United States just as it helped bolster it when times where good north of the border. When the American economy was growing, successive governments here counted on foreign investment and exports to generate growth. (International Herald Tribune)
To Implement the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement Dec 30, 2008
On January 19, 2006, the United States entered into the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement (the "Agreement"). The Congress approved the Agreement in section 101(a) of the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the "Implementation Act") (Public Law 109-283, 120 Stat ... (1) In order to provide generally for the preferential tariff treatment being accorded under the Agreement, to set forth rules for determining whether goods imported into the customs territory of the... (White House News Releases)
Bush lays into the left at Americas summit but agrees concessions Dec 30, 2008
President George Bush was forced to make several concessions to his Latin American colleagues yesterday when they concluded their two-day summit with only a vague commitment to a controversial pan-American free trade area ... Brazil also leads the group of countries who want to narrow the scope of any continental free trade deal, particularly feared because of US agricultural subsidies ... The US vision of free trade is frequently blamed by the left in Latin America for increasing poverty... (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Modest gains for Bush at Summit of Americas / Sweeping promises, sharp divisions as 34-nation meeting ends Dec 30, 2008
Leaders from around the Americas ended a two-day summit in Mexico on Tuesday with backslaps and a 13-page declaration of vague commitments to cooperate in economic development, free trade and the fight against poverty ... The leaders made an equally imprecise pledge to conclude talks on the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), an agreement aimed at eliminating customs duties through the hemisphere ... Bush and his aides failed to switch the focus to free trade. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Americas leaders 'overcome' rifts Dec 30, 2008
Leaders attending an Americas summit in Mexico have signed a final declaration, despite earlier rifts on the key issues of free trade and corruption. The document pledges support for the setting up of a free trade area for the Americas in 2005 - a key US demand ... The planned Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) aims to create the world's largest free trade area with a market of some 800 million people. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Harper Foes Who Laud Obama Might Spark Clashes With Him Over Trade, Energy Dec 30, 2008
Canadas exports to the U.S. have more than tripled since 1989, the first year the two countries implemented an accord that became the North American Free Trade Agreement, or Nafta, when Mexico joined in 1994. Slumping Exports. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Indonesia delays free trade deals with Oz, NZ Dec 30, 2008
The deal is under the framework of the ASEAN free trade agreement (FTA) with Australia and New Zealand (AANZ-FTA), which was successfully negotiated on Aug. 28 in Singapore. Gusmardi Bustami, the Trade Ministry's director general for international trade cooperation, said the delay was because the framework of the deal, under ASEAN's legal scope, would only be officially signed in February. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
Vilsack Draws Lots of Praise Within Agriculture Dec 30, 2008
"The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Bryan Black, Canal Winchester, Ohio, also congratulated Vilsack, stating he knows production agriculture and the pork industry. Ken Hobbie, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council, is confident Vilsack will consider a liberalized trade environment a top priority. He called on the new Obama administration to approve pending free trade agreements as soon as possible. Audubon, a leading environmental organization, also applauded Obama s... (Agri-View, WI)
Barack Obama to relax travel Cuban rules Dec 28, 2008
But he is coming under pressure from a group of 50 Congressmen from both main parties and supporters of free trade who want it abolished. The National Foreign Trade Council, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Retail Federation have all called for the complete removal of all trade and travel restrictions in Cuba. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Obama's Plan to Rejoin the World Community Dec 27, 2008
When Candidate Barack Obama declared himself a "citizen of the world" before thousands of cheering German socialists and later pledged to "rejoin the World Community," those weren't just his usual platitudes about "change." Those words sounded the trumpet for his specific and far-reaching globalist agenda. Obama plans to use his presidential power to get the Democratic-majority Senate to ratify a series of treaties that would take us a long way toward global rule over our money, our laws, our... (Human Events Online)
7 comments Dec 27, 2008
Obama's Plan to Rejoin the World Community - HUMAN EVENTS. Obama's Plan to Rejoin the World Community by 12/23/2008. (Human Events Online)
Mexico suspends purchases from 30 U.S. meat plants Dec 27, 2008
"Countries would go through dispute settlement under either (the North American Free Trade Agreement) or (World Trade Organization) -- not use the action of plant-by-plant delistment," said Amanda Eamich of USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service ... North American Free Trade Agreement. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
For P&G, it's about creating change, not reacting Dec 27, 2008
That can mean a sit-down with the head of a Third World country or a private conference with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, such as McDonald had in early December to discuss legislation affecting China and free trade. We are so big that countries, governments, can really goof up our business, McDonald explained. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
Vietnam and Japan sign trade pact Dec 26, 2008
Japan's Kyodo news agency said this was Japan's tenth signed free trade agreement but Vietnam's first two-way trade agreement. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
U.S. welcomes increased beef exports to South Korea Dec 26, 2008
He discussed the U.S./Korea Free Trade Agreement and the status of opening Korea's markets to U.S. beef imports ... Farm Bureau supports congressional passage of a South Korea free trade agreement now that greater U.S. beef imports will resume ... Now that this obstacle with Korea has been overcome, Farm Bureau urges swift congressional passage of the Korea free trade agreement. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Vilsack nomination reaction Dec 26, 2008
In order to stimulate global economic growth and to feed a growing world, we urge the approval of pending free trade agreements to be considered by the new administration as soon as possible. Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, named Agriculture Secretary by President-elect Barack Obama, historically has supported some initiatives favored by the meat industry, and others that the industry has vigorously opposed. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Outlook Cloudy for SKorea-US Free Trade Agreement Dec 26, 2008
Political change, global slump cloud outlook for passage of SKorea-US free trade deal ... Call it the free trade follies ... South Korean opposition politicians last week used a sledgehammer to try and force their way into a barricaded committee room to stop the ruling party from introducing debate on a tariff-slashing free trade agreement with the United States. (ABC News -- Wire)
Czech sweetness? Dec 26, 2008
Vaclav Klaus, the conservative Czech president, has strong views on virtually everything - climate change (not man-made), NGOs (more dangerous than communism) and the EU (all right as a free trade bloc, but that's about it). The "Eurosceptic" President Klaus (he prefers "Eurorealist") has been campaigning against the EU's Lisbon Treaty, which the fragile centre-right government is attempting to ratify. (BBC News -- Europe)
* S Korean opposition steps up blockade Dec 26, 2008
South Koreas opposition lawmakers stepped up their occupation of parliamentary chambers yesterday in a bid to stop the passage of contentious bills including a free trade agreement with the US. ... Rival lawmakers and their assistants brawled at the National Assembly last week after the ruling party initiated a bill to ratify the free trade agreement (FTA), locking themselves inside the trade committee room ... In hopes of pushing ahead with a wider free trade deal, the Seoul government in... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Vietnam devalues dong in effort to expand exports Dec 26, 2008
Meanwhile, Hanoi signed a free trade deal with Japan on Thursday that will exempt nearly all taxes levied on each others goods over the next decade, the government said yesterday. Under the pact Japan would exempt 95 percent of import taxes on Vietnamese goods and Vietnam would also lift 88 percent of its duties on Japanese goods, the government said in a statement. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Outlook cloudy for SKorea-US free trade agreement Dec 26, 2008
SEOUL, South Korea - Call it the free trade follies. South Korean opposition politicians last week used a sledgehammer to try and force their way into a barricaded committee room to stop the ruling party from introducing debate on a tariff-slashing free trade agreement with the United States ... The South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement has languished in political limbo since being signed nearly 18 months ago. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
U.S. welcomes increased beef exports to South Korea Dec 26, 2008
He discussed the U.S./Korea Free Trade Agreement and the status of opening Korea's markets to U.S. beef imports ... Farm Bureau supports congressional passage of a South Korea free trade agreement now that greater U.S. beef imports will resume ... Now that this obstacle with Korea has been overcome, Farm Bureau urges swift congressional passage of the Korea free trade agreement. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Vilsack nomination reaction Dec 26, 2008
In order to stimulate global economic growth and to feed a growing world, we urge the approval of pending free trade agreements to be considered by the new administration as soon as possible. Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, named Agriculture Secretary by President-elect Barack Obama, historically has supported some initiatives favored by the meat industry, and others that the industry has vigorously opposed. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
To Implement the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement with Respect to Costa Rica and for Other Purposes Dec 26, 2008
On August 5, 2004, the United States entered into the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (the "Agreement") with Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (the "Agreement countries"). The Agreement was approved by the Congress in section 101(a) of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the "Act") (19 U.S.C. 4011) ... (1) In order to provide generally for the... (White House News Releases)
George Bush, Protectionist Dec 26, 2008
When the tough times come, nations protect their own interests first, free trade be damned ... Location: MI Reply # 1 Date: Dec 26, 2008 - 9:43 PM EST Subject: We have NEVER had "free trade" ... True "free trade" would entail a tit-for-tat response for trade restrictions imposed on our products. (Townhall.com)
Will Obama Deliver for Organized Labor? Dec 26, 2008
Obama's eventual pick, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk, has a record of supporting free trade deals, anathema to labor. And some progressives were disappointed that Obama passed over labor activist Mary Beth Maxwell and instead chose Rep. (Time.com)
Australian PM congratulates China's achievement in reform, opening-up Dec 25, 2008
Australia welcomes China's rapid economic development and growing global role, Rudd said, pointing out that Australia is a long-term partner with China and hopes to conclude a free trade agreement soon. "We believe China's growth is good for Australia, the Asia-Pacific and the world," the prime minister said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Russia backs Brazil's UN bid Dec 23, 2008
This is because Brazil is resisting American pressure to set up Alca, the North America Free Trade Zone and supporting instead, Mercosul, the independent free-market zone for South America. Now Russia and Brazil hope to double trade within two years. (BBC News -- Americas)
Abitibi to sell Ontario assets Dec 23, 2008
AbitibiBowater's president and chief executive officer sent a harshly-worded letter to Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams on Friday, threatening legal action under the North American free trade agreement. The expropriation was "clearly, unequivocally" illegal under NAFTA and "shocks common sensibility," David Paterson wrote. (Globe and Mail)
Layton backs NL plan to take back assets Dec 23, 2008
David J. Paterson, AbitibiBowater's president and chief executive officer, said Monday the company is trying to negotiate an agreement with the provincial government and as well, is preparing for a challenge under Chapter 11 of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Layton said his party will support the province in a NAFTA challenge. (Vancouver Sun)
Philip Bowring: Free trade under threat Dec 23, 2008
These dangers to free trade do not add up to a repeat of the 1930s, but they all need watching. . (International Herald Tribune)
South Asia 'agrees to free trade' Dec 23, 2008
South Asia 'agrees to free trade ... Foreign ministers at the South Asian summit in Islamabad have agreed on the framework for a regional free trade zone, a senior Indian official says. (Yahoo News -- Asian Economy)
Trade barriers toughen with global slump Dec 22, 2008
Reverse of free trade. But the general trend toward protectionism could undermine what has been the steady march of free trade during the era of globalization, with export-dependent countries such as China standing to lose the most. (MSNBC -- International)
'ONLY ONE CALL'... Dec 22, 2008
This is important because it gave the President "fast-track" authority to negotiate free trade agreements, while while only allowing Congress the ability to approve or disapprove, not change negotiating points. Bottom line. (The Drudge Report)
* Political schisms leave European Socialists hog-tied during crisis Dec 22, 2008
These institutions, based on free trade, competition, limited budget deficits, and sound money, are fundamentally pro-market; there is little leeway within them for doctrinaire Socialism. This is why the far left is anti-European. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
East Africa: EAC Customs Bill Approved Dec 22, 2008
"This extension will enable the Community to develop and conclude comprehensive trade arrangements as a bloc with COMESA and SADC in pursuant to the directive of the Tripartite Summit to establish a Free Trade Area between the three Regional Economic Communities," Mwinyi urged. He added that the extension would also enable Partner States to continue trading with member States of COMESA and SADC without any disruption of the long established trade relationship that would otherwise have a negative... (allAfrica.com)
Union: Abitibi tells loggers to go home Dec 22, 2008
AbitibiBowater is threatening legal action and says the government's move violates the North American Free Trade Agreement ... Under the free trade deal between Canada, the United States and Mexico, companies can use the so-called Chapter 11 provisions to sue the three governments directly for what is called regulatory expropriation or moves that negatively affect the commercial value of a property. (Globe and Mail)
Give me liberty Dec 22, 2008
MountLogan wrote on Dec 21, 2008 8:23 PM:" Mr. Roberts,The founding fathers and revolutionists also believed in and incorporated Hamiltonian economics. Imports had heavy tariffs placed on them and this was the primary source of our governments income well into the 20th Century. The rationale was to protect American labor and create a strong domestic work force and economy that was not reliant or beholding to other nations. Woodrow Wilson was the first US president who attempted to change our... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Customs seize ketamine hidden in 20 handbags Dec 22, 2008
6kg of ganja worth RM13,000 in a bag left at a parking lot at the Bukit Kayu Hitam free trade zone. Officers seized the drugs when no one turned up to collect the bag. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Biden Gets an Assignment Dec 22, 2008
While the WP acknowledges that so far there hasn't been a great move toward , "the general trend toward protectionism could undermine what has been the steady march of free trade during the era of globalization." Right now, many nations are focusing on trying to prop up domestic industries, which many critics are characterizing as unfair government subsidies. This is exactly how critics see the $17. (Slate)
Obama signals major shift in US trade policy Dec 22, 2008
" But while these progressive policies may satisfy some critics, they could further complicate stalled WTO negotiations and serve as an excuse for greater protectionism as the United States slips deeper into its worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. "The incoming president will face more political pressure for protectionism than any other US chief executive since 1930," said outgoing US Under Secretary of Commerce Christopher Padilla. "How president-elect Obama responds to this... (Channelnewsasia.com)
AbitibiBowater urges NL government to repeal 'illegal' bill: letter Dec 21, 2008
The letter spells out how AbitibiBowater believes Bill 75 violates provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement since AbitibiBowater Inc, is a U.S. corporation, incorporated in the state of Delaware. Bill 75 strips Abitibi's rights to lucrative hydro and timber resources in central Newfoundland. (CBC.ca)
Report: PKFZ has grown, despite bumps Dec 21, 2008
According to statistics released together with the PKFZ chronology report Sunday, the free trade zone has shown a 30% increase in proposed investments over the past six months from RM720mil to RM916mil. This figure is derived from an increase of 18 clients from 40 to 58 and has led to greater rental revenues and the creation of 687 more jobs. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Trial By Geography Dec 21, 2008
Just the same, I kind of believed that she couldn't name the three nations that belong to the North American Free Trade Association. So I sincerely doubt Palin would want to subject herself to the annual Chronicle Travel Section Geography Quiz, a rigorous test of. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Obama unveils final cabinet picks Dec 20, 2008
Free trade became a major issue during the presidential election campaign, with Mr Obama pledging to renegotiate existing US trade deals. Bookmark with. (BBC News)
...mulling farewell speech Dec 20, 2008
The speech would also urge that the United States remain a key international player, especially in promoting free trade and fighting against the AIDS epidemic. In the interview, Bush said he did not regret his wartime decisions. (The Drudge Report)
